DeMarco Murray says it doesn’t matter whether a game is played early or late in a season or in hot or cold weather, the running game is “pretty important at all times.”

The Dallas Cowboys lead back will likely have an increased workload Monday night in Chicago with the weather expected to make throwing the football challenging.

The temperature is expected to drop to 10 degrees in Chicago on Monday night with winds at 17 mph and a 30 percent chance of snow.

The Cowboys cleared the ice off of their practice field at Valley Ranch and practiced outside Saturday in the frigid weather after moving practice Friday to Highland Park’s indoor facility.

Is Murray ready for Chicago’s weather?

“Yeah, I’m ready to run in the cold,” he said. “We know that the conditions may not be too great. We’ve got to be mentally strong in this game.”

The Cowboys added a true fullback to their roster for the first time all season this week in signing Tyler Clutts and figure to put him to use against the Bears, who have the NFL’s worst run defense.

The Bears have allowed an NFL-high 15 runs for 20-plus yards (the Cowboys have allowed six), so Murray could have plenty of chances for big gains.

Murray said he won’t overlook the Bears’ defense just because it’s struggled defending the run.

“It still is a great franchise. You grew up watching those guys and knew how great their defenses are,” Murray said. “They have a lot of pride, Monday night game, so definitely don’t take anything for granted. I know they’re going to be ready to play.”

Follow Brandon George on Twitter at @DMN_George.

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